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Celebrating a Decade of Educators Empowering Educators

Blackboard has announced the return of its much-anticipated Digital Teaching Symposium (DTS) for its 10th year, set to take place virtually on November 19, 2026. This free event focuses on fostering a collaborative environment where educators can share strategies and navigate the evolving landscape of teaching and learning.

Enthusiastic faculty members from institutions across the globe will converge to discuss timely issues under this year's theme, "Reach, Teach, Demonstrate." With today's rapidly changing world, educators often grapple with key questions: How can we effectively reach each learner? What methods can we employ to teach effectively amidst these changes? And how do we showcase that meaningful learning has indeed occurred?

Keynote Highlights

The symposium will feature a keynote address by Dr. Matthew Pittinsky, co-founder of Blackboard and incoming CEO, who previously served as an assistant professor at Arizona State University. His session, titled "Mark Hopkins' Log AI, Higher Education, and the Extraordinary Potential of an Ordinary Technology," will delve into how artificial intelligence can transform learning management systems while ensuring that the core human interactions remain intact in an educational setting.

According to Dr. Lisa A. Clark, Associate Vice President for Academic Transformation at Blackboard, faculty members today are navigating unprecedented changes. They are adapting to AI technologies, reassessing academic integrity and evaluation standards, and embracing novel ways to engage learners while making education more accessible to diverse audiences. As Dr. Clark notes, the Digital Teaching Symposium plays a crucial role in fostering a knowledge-sharing community among faculty, especially in such essential times for education.

Engaging Workshops and Sessions

This year’s symposium promises a plethora of engaging sessions covering hot-button topics relevant to educators:

1. When Schools Ban AI, What Exactly Are They Banning?

Phil Hill, a prominent publisher and partner at Phil Hill Associates, will lead a discussion probing into the nuances of AI in educational contexts. Following his insights, attendees can engage in a fireside chat with Dr. Pittinsky.

2. Assessment in the Age of AI

As generative AI modifies student approaches to coursework, this session invites participants to rethink assessment methodologies.

3. Engaging and Reaching Diverse Learners

Exploring practical methodologies, this session will emphasize developing learning experiences that catch students where they are in their educational journeys.

4. Teaching with AI and Emerging Technologies

Educators will share their lessons learned as they explore and experiment with innovative tools and teaching approaches.

5. Course Design and Digital Pedagogy

Participants will learn about effective strategies for crafting engaging online and blended learning experiences.

6. Feedback and Demonstrating Learning

This session will provide educators with useful strategies to better understand and communicate student learning outcomes.

7. Inclusive and Accessible Teaching

Discover practical techniques for designing learning experiences that cater to a diverse student body.

8. Real-World Teaching Lessons

Educators will share their candid perspectives on effective practices, pitfalls to avoid, and their experiences in leveraging AI to enhance their teaching time.

Attendees will be joined by faculty from a fine array of institutions such as the University of Connecticut, University of Pretoria, Aston University, and Wichita State University, who will share insights from their classrooms.

Logistical Information

The symposium will unfold on Thursday, November 19, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, featuring programming tracks available in both English and Spanish. Last year, DTS attracted over 1,300 attendees from 538 institutions spanning 55 countries, creating a vibrant global platform for educators.

Educators interested in participating can register for the Digital Teaching Symposium at Blackboard's DSP Registration. Join your peers and be part of this dynamic celebration of teaching excellence and innovative learning approaches!

About Blackboard

Blackboard is dedicated to transforming teaching and learning through technology. The company supports numerous institutions using its leading-edge LMS (Blackboard LMS), Ally for digital content accessibility, and a suite of effectiveness solutions aimed at placing educators and learners at the forefront of the educational experience. Learn more at blackboard.com.